Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath distributed appointment letters to 701 newly selected forest inspectors through the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) under the transparent and merit-based Mission Rozgar initiative.

Speaking at an event organised by the Forest department at Lok Bhavan here on Friday, Chief Minister Yogi emphasised the government’s dedication to forest and environmental conservation while highlighting the responsibilities of the newly appointed officers. He congratulated them on their new roles.

Chief Minister Yogi reiterated the government’s commitment to fair recruitment, stating that nepotism has been eliminated to ensure a transparent selection process.

He praised the UPSSSC for providing opportunities based solely on merit, noting that since 2017, seven lakh youth have secured government jobs through transparent procedures. This integrity, he emphasised, ensures that deserving candidates can achieve their dreams without facing discrimination.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked that in the past, recruitment announcements in Uttar Pradesh often favoured personal connections, reminiscent of the complex kinship seen in the Mahabharata. He emphasised that his government has eradicated nepotism and favoritism in the recruitment process.

Chief Minister Yogi stated that all officials and departments have been clearly instructed that the 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh are part of one family and no youth should face discrimination. He highlighted that recruitment processes are now conducted with complete transparency.

Addressing the newly appointed candidates, Chief Minister Yogi stressed that the government expects them to uphold the same standards of transparency and fairness in their roles. He reminded them that since the government was formed in 2017, strict measures have been in place to ensure honesty in the appointment process.

“Any negligence at any level is held accountable. This approach has allowed the government to provide over seven lakh youth with government jobs in the past seven and a half years, realising Prime Minister Modi’s vision of transparent and fair recruitment,” he remarked.

Chief Minister Yogi further highlighted the state’s remarkable progress, noting that Uttar Pradesh has nearly doubled its economy and per capita income during this period. “Over seven lakh youth have secured government jobs, and over two crore have found employment opportunities in the private sector,” he asserted.

According to the chief minister, the state has also revitalised traditional industries, creating abundant employment opportunities. He expressed pride in Uttar Pradesh’s large, skilled and energetic youth population, whose talents are being harnessed across various sectors — including government jobs, startups, micro, small and medium enterprises and other industries — driving the state’s development forward.

Chief Minister Yogi highlighted that among the newly appointed 701 forest inspectors, 140 are women — a testament to the success of the state’s women reservation policy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for women across all sectors, emphasising that their participation will elevate environmental protection efforts.

He noted that 20 per cent of all recruitment positions in Uttar Pradesh are reserved for women and a significant number will be selected in the upcoming police recruitment drive as well.

Addressing critical environmental challenges such as global warming, climate change and pollution, Chief Minister Yogi underscored their severity. He pointed to the recent closure of schools in various parts of the state, including Lucknow, due to escalating air pollution, highlighting the urgent need for environmental awareness and action.

He called upon the Forest department to take a leading role in addressing these issues, stressing that since humans have created these problems, they must also be part of the solution. He urged department employees to engage communities and raise awareness about environmental concerns.

Focusing on the growing threat of plastic pollution, Chief Minister Yogi advised the Forest department to launch extensive awareness campaigns. He emphasised that plastic poses significant dangers to the environment, wildlife and water resources, and combating this issue requires large-scale community involvement. He encouraged promoting alternatives to plastic and educating the public about the harmful effects of plastic to foster a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Chief Minister Yogi stated that over 200 crore trees have been planted in Uttar Pradesh over the past seven and a half years, with a remarkable survival rate of 75 per cent. He attributed this success to the government’s emphasis on community participation, noting that when public movements align with government initiatives, success is inevitable.

He urged the Forest department to continue promoting plantation and wildlife conservation by collaborating with local communities, emphasising that protecting forests is not solely the government’s responsibility but requires active public involvement.

Chief Minister Yogi highlighted the vital role of wildlife conservation, stressing that forests and wildlife are essential components of the environment. He underscored the need to maintain ecological balance while exploring economic opportunities through eco-tourism.

Furthermore, he instructed Forest department personnel to educate local communities on the benefits of eco-tourism and the importance of preserving wildlife. According to the chief minister, even small efforts in environmental conservation can yield significant results when pursued collectively.

The chief minister told the newly appointed forest inspectors that their responsibilities extend beyond protecting forests and the environment. He said, “You must also focus on conserving wildlife, maintaining biodiversity and engaging with local communities.”

He described each Forest department employee as an “environmental guardian” and encouraged them to step beyond their offices, reach out to villages and educate communities about the importance of environmental conservation.

Chief Minister Yogi highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the Forest department, viewing the appointment of 701 forest inspectors as a significant step toward this goal. He expressed confidence that their dedication and performance would elevate Uttar Pradesh in both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Congratulating the inspectors and their families, he noted that their work would not only safeguard the state’s natural resources but also contribute to economic development.

Inspiring the recruits, Chief Minister Yogi reminded them of their duty to fulfill the expectations of their families and communities. He emphasised that Uttar Pradesh has given them recognition and respect, and it is their collective responsibility to make the state stronger and more prosperous.

Many officials and dignitaries of the department including Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change (Independent Charge) Dr Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister of State KP Malik, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary (Environment, Forest and Climate Change) Anil Kumar were present in the programme.